Program Introduction
Are you a trainer, business development service provider (BDSP), entrepreneur support organization (ESO), business mentor or an mSME coach seeking an opportunity to impact women entrepreneurs across Africa? Then apply to join the Women in Digital Business (WiDB) at AM-Steve House Program’s Training of Trainers (ToT) Program.
The Women in Digital Business (WiDB) at AM-Steve House Program, currently in its pilot, is a training scheme to train 50,000 women from across Africa over the next 3years. It is offered in partnership with the International Training Centre of the ILO (ITCILO) and funded by Microsoft Philanthropies.
To scale reach, deepen engagement and maximize impact, the program will train 500 seasoned entrepreneurs, trainers, BDSPs, ESOs, mSME coaches, business mentors and other relevant ecosystem practitioners to serve as certified trainers and directly support the 50,000 women entrepreneurs.
To achieve the foregoing objective, we are launching the pilot phase of the training of trainers program with the aim of training and certifying fifty (50) WiDB trainers. Post-certification, trainers will have the opportunity to add WiDB to their portfolio and thereby offer it as a monetized service. Pursuant to the full rollout of the program, ILO-certified WiDB trainers will also be recruited on a paid basis to deliver WiDB training contracts for entrepreneurs.
Program Structure
The Training of Entrepreneurs (ToE) Program
The Women in Digital Business (WiDB) at AM-Steve House Training of Entrepreneurs Program is divided into 3 parts as follows:
Women in Digital Business Course
Compulsory: Foundations Programme on Digital Skills
Optional modules:
- i. Graphic Design
- ii. Artificial Intelligence
- iii. Cybersecurity Essentials
- iv. Digital Marketing
SIYB Course (Start and Improve Your Business)
Entrepreneurs select the appropriate ILO SIYB track matching their business stage:
- GYB (Generate Your Business Idea)
- SYB (Start Your Business)
- IYB (Improve Your Business)
- EYB (Expand Your Business)
Delivered by ILO-certified SIYB trainers and master trainers.
Formalization Course
Practical business support including incorporation, regulatory approvals and compliance, tax registration, bank account opening, and branding.
Applications for the Training of the Entrepreneurs (ToE) program are open; if you are a woman entrepreneur, eligible and interested in joining the last phase of the ToE pilot, please use the following link to apply: Apply for the WiDB ToE Program
The Training of Trainers (ToT) Program
The Part 2 (SIYB) component of the program will be taught by a select team of ILO-certified SIYB trainer(s) and master trainer(s). The formalization course (Part 3) will be facilitated by experienced experts based on the needs of WiDB entrepreneurs, groups, and cohorts – with some support in specific cases from WiDB trainers, as outlined in the contract agreement.
This Training of Trainers program is delivered with the support of the ITCILO and specifically targets the compulsory Foundations Program on Digital Skills. Trainers will be trained by a certified ILO WiDB Lead Trainer and then certified by the ILO. However, before receiving the ILO WiDB Trainer Certificate, they must complete all required training components as stipulated by the ILO and the Lead Trainer. This includes a mandatory micro-teaching component, where each trainer is required to recruit and train 15 women entrepreneurs in the Foundations Program on Digital Skills under the Lead Trainer’s supervision. Upon passing all theoretical components of the course and successfully completing the practice-based assignment of training 15 entrepreneurs, participants will receive the ILO WiDB Trainer Certification.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Have experience as an entrepreneur or in supporting/coaching/training entrepreneurs.
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent, e.g., HND or other professional license or fellowship e.g. BDSP license).
- Be actively working with entrepreneurs in any of the 54 African countries.
- Be fluent in English (ToE training content is also available in French, Portuguese, and Arabic and ToE can be in any of the languages, but this ToT is in English and English fluency is mandatory to join).
- Be able to recruit and train at least 15 women entrepreneurs within the 6 weeks program period before certification.
- Have proven experience in entrepreneurship training/coaching (with portfolio evidence).
- Be male or female (however, as this is a women-focused program, preference will be given to women applicants).
- Preference will also be given to practitioners with existing BDSP licenses or equivalent certifications, or those operating ESOs with proven entrepreneurial training records.
Why Apply?
- Full Scholarship: If selected, you receive a scholarship covering the entire ToT program.
- Global Certification: Earn an official ILO WiDB Trainer Certificate, enabling you to deliver WiDB courses independently using program materials and earn training fees.
- Trainer Pool Membership: Certified trainers are added to the WiDB at AM-Steve House Program Trainer Pool – this means you get paid when train women entrepreneur under the program.
- Curated Expert Support: Receive mentoring and supervision from an ILO-certified WiDB Lead Trainer during your micro-teaching phase.
- Expanded Reach & Impact: Access tools, resources, networks, and partnerships to scale your impact in Africa’s entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Application Details
Required Documents and Materials
- CV/Resume
- Training portfolio (e.g., certifications, training qualifications, evidence of past training, mentorship records, or other entrepreneurship support experience)
- Details of your ability and readiness to recruit and train 15 women entrepreneurs within the 6 weeks’ course timeframe
- Motivation statement (200–500 words)
Application Link: Apply for the WiDB ToT Program
Application for women entrepreneurs are open, if you are not eligible for the training of the trainers course and you are woman entrepreneurs please apply for the training of entrepreneurs program using the following link: Apply for the WiDB ToE Program
Deadlines:
Places will be filled on rolling basis as stated below:
- Priority Deadline: September 5th, 2025 (22:59 GMT) – Places will be filled on rolling basis and class will start by early September; selected trainers are eligible for both Intensive & Regular program options.
- Regular Deadline: September 19th, 2025 (22:59 GMT) – Eligible only for Regular program. To join the ToT Pilot, apply by this date.
- Final Deadline: December 31st, 2025 (17:00 GMT) – Applications after the regular deadline maybe invited to apply for the full program roll-out.
Program Options
Intensive Program
Duration: 6 weeks
Format: 2 hours daily for 1 week + 2 weeks for micro-teaching preparation and delivery (train 15 entrepreneurs); there will be 3 weeks in-between to plan, market and prepare for your micro-teaching.
Regular Program
Duration: 6 weeks
Format: 2 hours twice per week for 4 weeks + micro-teaching.
Two cohorts will run depending on availability. Additional cohorts may be created to accommodate candidates.
🔍 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The WiDB ToT Program is a specialized Training of Trainers scheme under the WiDB at AM-Steve House Program. It equips experienced trainers, business mentors, BDSPs, and ESO practitioners with the tools to deliver the WiDB Foundations Program on Digital Skills to women entrepreneurs across Africa. It is offered in partnership with the International Training Centre of the ILO and funded by Microsoft Philanthropies.
The full program is divided into three parts:
• Phase 1 – WiDB Digital Foundations Course (compulsory): Covers essential digital skills for women entrepreneurs. Optional add-ons include:
Graphic Design
Artificial Intelligence
Cybersecurity Essentials
Digital Marketing
• Phase 2 – ILO SIYB Course (based on business stage): Entrepreneurs choose from:
GYB – Generate Your Business Idea
SYB – Start Your Business
IYB – Improve Your Business
EYB – Expand Your Business
• Phase 3 – Business Formalization Support: Hands-on support with incorporation, regulatory compliance, tax registration, bank account setup, and branding.
During the ToT, you will be equipped to deliver training to women based on the compulsory Foundations Program on Digital Skills course and also get instant access to deliver or support all optional courses within Phase 1 of the WiDB courseware, including Graphic Design, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity Essentials, and Digital Marketing as offered by the ITCILO.
Trainers will be equipped to deliver the WiDB Digital Foundations Course, and required to:
Complete all ILO-mandated online components.
Attend training by an ILO-certified WiDB Lead Trainer.
Recruit and train 15 women entrepreneurs as part of a supervised micro-teaching component.
Be assessed on both theoretical and practical (teaching) components before earning certification.
After completing the training and micro-teaching, participants will:
• Be certified as WiDB Trainers by the ILO.
• Gain rights to independently deliver the WiDB Foundations course using official materials.
• Be added to the WiDB Trainer Pool, and based on your performance you will be contracted and paid to train more (between 50 to 500) women entrepreneurs under the ToE program. Contract amount will be determined by the number of women you are approved to train.
There are two pathways:
• Self-sourced: Trainers may identify and select their own women entrepreneurs.
• From open call: Trainers may select part of their class cohort from a pool of women who applied via our open call, if applicable; i.e., if they fall short of the required 15, they can top up from our shortlist.
Applicants must:
• Have experience as an entrepreneur or as a trainer, coach, mentor, BDSP, or ESO working with entrepreneurs.
• Hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (e.g., HND or recognized professional license or fellowship e.g. BDSP license).
• Be fluent in English (reading and writing). (Note: WiDB content is available in French, Portuguese, and Arabic – trainers can deliver their ToE in any of these languages, but must be fluent in English to participate in the ToT.)
• Be based in or working with entrepreneurs in any of Africa’s 54 countries.
• Be able to recruit and train at least 15 women entrepreneurs within the stipulated timeframe before receiving their certificate.
• Demonstrate a training portfolio (certificates, course delivery records, or mentorship experience).
Note: While both men and women can apply, preference is given to women and existing ecosystem practitioners (e.g., BDSP license holders, ESO leaders, established entrepreneur trainers).
• Membership in the official WiDB Trainer Pool at AM-Steve House – offering you paid WiDB training contracts.
• Full scholarship for the ToT program (no tuition fees).
• Official WiDB Trainer Certificate from the ILO upon completion.
• Rights to earn training income by using WiDB courseware in future.
• Access to a dedicated Lead Trainer and training resources.
• Exposure to partnerships, networks, and digital tools to scale your work.
There are two learning tracks:
🟣 Intensive Option (3 weeks + 3 optional preparatory weeks)
Week 1: 2 hours/day of training
Weeks 2–3: Prepare training materials, recruit 15 women, and conduct your micro-teaching
Best for participants with more flexibility and enhanced availability.
🔵 Regular Option (4+ weeks)
2 hours, twice a week, for 4 weeks
Followed by micro-teaching (timeline flexible)
Two cohorts available based on applicant availability.
Applicants must submit:
CV or résumé
Training portfolio (e.g. BDSP/ESO certificates, training qualifications, proof of past workshops, training, coaching activities, etc.)
Motivation statement (200–500 words)
Answer the Question on your ability and readiness to conduct your practicum of training 15 women entrepreneurs
Apply here: WiDB ToT Application Form or use the following URL to apply: https://forms.gle/znqe1JfWd67zkV4ZA
Deadline Type
Eligibility
Priority Deadline
September 5th, 2025 @ 22:59 GMT
Can choose either Intensive or Regular
Regular Deadline
September 19th, 2025 @ 22:59 GMT
Can join Regular only; last chance to join pilot
Final Deadline
December 31, 2025 @ 17:00 GMT
Considered for post-pilot roll-out phase
Yes. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. If you miss a window, your application will be considered for the next available cohort. We however do not guarantee slots will be available for missed deadlines.
Yes. After certification and upon satisfactory performance, trainers can access:
WiDB course materials and delivery guides.
Monitoring support from Lead Trainers.
Women entrepreneur participants via the program’s open calls.
Paid opportunities to conduct additional trainings.
Training of Trainers instruction is conducted in English.
However, once certified, trainers can deliver the WiDB Foundation Program on Digital Skills course in French, Portuguese, or Arabic using the official translated materials, as long as they meet quality standards.
If you are not an experienced trainer but a woman entrepreneur we encourage you to apply directly to the WiDB entrepreneur's (ToE) program here (or visit the following link: https://bit.ly/467r6Oq) instead of applying to the training of trainers program. Read more about the Women in Digital Business at AM-Steve House Program here (or visit the program page using the following URL: https://widb.amstevehouse.com/).
Having completed the WiDB entrepreneurs’ course is an advantage as you are already conversant with the program but it doesn’t make you eligible if you are otherwise ineligible. To be eligible for the WIDB trainer’s course you must have good experience in both entrepreneurship and training and/or with supporting entrepreneurs and meet all the other eligibility criteria.
Please visit the program page on www.widb.amstevehouse.com or can write us at: widb.amstevehouse@gmail.com we will update the FAQ with new questions from time to time.”
Apply Now
Use the official ToT application form: Apply for the WiDB ToT Program